How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states that have no-fault insurance, your insurer will cover medical expenses as well as lost wages regardless of who's at fault for an accident. They'll also need to collect evidence and look over documents (photos, witness testimonies medical records, photos, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation that you receive depends on the severity of your injuries as well as the cost of your injuries. This article will help you understand the steps required to file an
auto accident attorney accident claim.
Report the Accident
If you're involved in a car crash, it's important to report the crash right away. In many states, this is handled by local police county sheriffs, state police, or Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you can, snap photos of the crash scene. This can help you remember the details of what happened, and could be beneficial for your insurance claim. Photos are a great way to display details such as skid marks, damage to your vehicle weather conditions, skid marks, and other important details.
It's an excellent idea to collect the other driver's details including their name as well as the insurance company. If possible, you should ask for their driver's license and car registration.
It is also essential to record your personal report of the incident in detail, including what you witnessed and what transpired. Remember, memory isn't reliable, and if you don't record what happened it could leave you accountable for damages or injuries that are not evident later on. If you don't inform your insurance company, they may refuse to cover any damage that results from the incident. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to determine the requirements for filing an accident report.
Seek medical attention
After a car crash, you should seek medical treatment and be examined to determine if there are any injuries. You can avoid any future problems by seeing your doctor as soon as possible. It could also help your case when negotiating with the insurer.
It is recommended to visit an emergency room at a hospital, if at all possible after a car wreck. This is because hospitals have access to highest quality physicians, surgeons and medical equipment. It can be difficult for insurance companies and defense attorneys to minimize the severity of injuries that are treated in the hospital.
Car accidents can cause injuries that range from minor bruising to serious internal injuries like paralysis or brain injury after a traumatic accident. Even if some symptoms, such as stiffness and pain don't manifest right away it is important to for a medical appointment. These records will be vital in proving that you've suffered injuries as a result of the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize these medical records to construct an argument that proves the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the crash caused your injuries, and that you deserve an equitable amount of compensation for your injuries.
Take Pictures
Photograph the accident site as soon as possible, ideally before police arrive. If possible, photograph all the damage to the vehicle from different angles. If you are able, take photos of the vehicle in close-ups as well as other evidence (such broken glasses or airbags deployed). If you're unable to capture close-ups of the vehicles you can place something like a penny inside the photo to give it scale. You can also take photographs with or without flash to reveal more details.
It is also important to take photos of any injuries you have suffered in the accident. Scrapes, bruises and cuts will fade over time, so the pictures can be used as evidence of your injuries in the future. Additionally, it is recommended to take pictures of all other relevant details of the accident as possible (such as traffic lights, street signs and weather conditions, as well road debris), as these can aid in constructing a more precise image of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you're planning to file a car crash claim, it's important to contact your insurance company as soon as you can. Your policy may require you to make this call, and even in the event that it doesn't, your attorney will require documentation of your losses (like medical expenses and repair costs) to prove your claim.
Besides getting your own vehicle's information and identifying the other drivers involved in the incident In addition, you should gather any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, according to Luna. You should ask for the insurance card of the other driver and ensure you have their name address, telephone number, address, and car insurance details (company or policy number). If there are witnesses, get their names and contact numbers.
While the first thing you'll want to do following a car accident is fight with insurance companies, it's very important to remain calm. If you're emotional and make statements, they could be used against you later on in the process. It is best to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can ensure that you do not say anything that could be used against you later.
Contact an Attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in dealing with the insurance company to get an appropriate settlement. They will review the medical bills and records and will frequently consult with a physician to offer their opinion regarding the extent of your injuries. If you fail to provide them with accurate and complete evidence, they will not offer you a fair price.
In addition to pursuing economic losses, including medical bills and lost wages, you could be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross negligence or recklessness the court could award additional compensation, which is known as punitive damages.
You'll need to notify the police if the driver who was at blame fled the scene. You can also get an exact copy of a crash report at the precinct, or online. You'll need this to file a no fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific laws that apply to
auto accidents and these rules are best explained by an experienced attorney.